Men’s Fashion at Work: The Case Against Khakis

by Curtis Holden

Many men in the business world today seem to wear a uniform: chinos or khakis and a button-up on normal days, maybe a navy or gray suit on a day when they have an important meeting or event. I get the sense they want to be comfortable and want to fit in, and not think too much about how they look. To which I say…. boring!

I have always cared about fashion just a little bit more than most men do, searching for cool stuff online and browsing thrift stores in search of the perfect addition to my wardrobe. Where some people prefer neutrals, I prefer pants with a distinct herringbone pattern. If some guys stick to white and blue Oxfords, I believe real men wear pink and yellow and every other color you can think of.

But though I’ve always loved clothes, I didn’t always feel comfortable revealing that at work -- I was concerned that I would be seen as superficial or flashy and not hard working. As a fresh college graduate joining the work world, I opted to be more conservative. During my first week of training as an analyst, I observed that the standard office uniform at my company consisted of slacks and a button-up shirt daily, and so I conformed to the unspoken dress code. But this did not sit well with me, so I began to think about how I could dress differently than the rest of my cohort. At first I was tentative. Some days, I might wear a tie with a unique pattern or, during warmer months, I’d break out some pastel-colored slacks. Eventually, I upgraded to wearing a bespoke blazer even though no one else did.

Part of my reason for dressing this way was personal self expression -- something in me just wanted to push the envelope. But soon enough, I realized that dressing well -- and differently -- actually helped me to be more effective at my job.

When you tuck a pocket square into your jacket pocket, it’s not uncommon for your colleagues to acknowledge your attention to detail. With clients, wearing a brightly-colored pair of pants or a cool set of wingtips can be a conversation starter. People will often ask me, Where did you get that blazer? Who tailors your suits? Does your girlfriend pick out your clothing? After hearing any one of these questions, I usually chuckle, answer the question, then jokingly state that I’m a “fashionisto.”

But already the ice has been broken, a bond has been formed. People remember me, which is a surprisingly important advantage in today’s economy where so much work involves partnerships and distributed teams and matrixed organizations.

Today I work at a startup, and though many young companies are the land of guys in unwashed jeans and drab hoodies, I feel less restricted and more able to dress however I want. Some days, that’s a three-piece suit, and other days it’s jeans and a particularly beloved pair of sneakers.

Ultimately, I think too many men in today’s work world dress as though they are only trying to fit in, and I understand that impulse. But by dressing well in an age of casualness, you can really stand out from the crowd. And as I build my career and grow as a professional, that’s exactly what I want to do.

Curtis Holden, Client Partner at Thrive Global

Curtis joins Thrive Global as a Client Partner. Prior to Thrive, Curtis spent four years at American Express in a Senior Client Manger Role spearheading the business development and marketing of a luxury tour operator portfolio. He has also worked in marketing and analytics roles at Madison Square Garden and J.P. Morgan. Curtis holds a BA in Political Science from Columbia University. Outside of work Curtis loves to travel, play basketball, and try different restaurants all over New York City.

Venice Film Festival: Best-dressed on the red carpet, from Emma Stone to Naomi Watts

The 75th Venice Film Festival kicked off  at the historic Sala Grande. Stars included Emma Stone, Ryan Gosling, Lady Gaga, Naomi Watts and more.

While the main focus of the festival includes the prestigious Golden Lion award for best film, the fashionable gowns are something to see. Here are our favorite looks.

Balenciaga wants you to pay $9K to dress like Joey from ‘Friends’

Look out, Rachel Green: Joey Tribbiani may have secretly been the most stylish member of the “Friends” gang all along.

Balenciaga’s new seven-layer parka — comprised of multiple plaid shirts, jersey hoodies and fleece layers all stitched together into one giant “Frankencoat” — is making waves on social media thanks to its striking resemblance to an ensemble worn by Matt LeBlanc’s character on the beloved sitcom.

“Imagine spending £8,000 on this Balenciaga coat just to look like Joey from friends in the episode where he puts all Chandlers clothes on,” one Twitter user wrote, referring to a scene from Season 3 in which Joey enacts revenge on Chandler (Matthew Perry) by raiding his closet.

Added another, “Joey Tribiani [sic] was frickin ahead of his time,” while a third user simply tweeted a GIF of Joey’s most memorable line from the episode: “Could I bewearing any more clothes?”

Still, others cast the lovably dimwitted character in his own Balenciaga campaign, photoshopping the fashion house’s minimalist logo onto stills of the “Friends” scene in question.

While Joey put together his layered look for free, Balenciaga’s take will set you back $9,000.

By Elana Fishman via Page Six

Selena Gomez and Coach

The 26-year-old superstar Selena Gomez who became a spokesperson for the Coach in 2016  kept busy this Summer. Her new collaboration with Coach now hit the internet. Her collection ranges from lace slip skirt to a lilac hoodie to blue rabbit sweater. Last year Selena released a line of handbags and leather goods.

“I’m so proud of the collection,” Selena told Vogue. “What I love most about working with the Coach team is that they just know how I dress. Everything felt authentic from the beginning.” 

“I love working with Selena because she brings her strong point of view to the design process,” said Stuart Vevers, brand’s creative director . “I wanted all of the pieces to reflect her style and her charm—and to feel effortless.”

New Print for Burberry

First time in 20 years marks the first time the brand has changed its logo originally designed by Fabien Baron in 1999. Chief creative officer Riccardo Tisci took to his personal Instagram Stories to present a new logo  replacing the previous one.

Riccardo developed the new logo in collaboration with the renowned British art director and graphic designer Peter Saville more recently known for his work for Calvin Klein under Raf Simons. Tisci’s was inspired after visit to the house’s archive, "especially a logo from 1908 and a Thomas Burberry monogram," according to an email correspondence between the two creatives, which Tisci shared on social media. The logo and monogram print will appear across all Burberry channels and in a new advertising campaign.

Burberry was founded in 1856 when 21-year-old Thomas Burberry, a former draper's apprentice, opened his own store in Basingstoke, Hampshire, England. ... In 1879, Burberry introduced in his brand the gabardine, a hardwearing, water-resistant yet breathable fabric, in which the yarn is waterproofed before weaving.

TB @burberry #newera

A post shared by Riccardo Tisci (@riccardotisci17) on Aug 2, 2018 at 3:05am PDT

Valentino and Dolce and Gabbana set the bar for Italian Haute Couture

As the Couture Week came to an end, the echos of the magnificent shows of Valentino in Paris and Dolce and Gabbana on the Como Lake have not faded yet.

With a more global, Audrey Hepburn, Funny face, bold Marisa Berenson  the Roman Maison and with a Italy at its best, playful, spectacular 3-days happening the Italian Fashion duo, both Houses played the best of: - couture know-how - grand storytelling - colors and shapes - majestic atmosphere and tone - formidable refinement and attitude

The two Italian houses, free from the pressure of steady double digit growth and eager shareholders, developed a daring spirit.

Fierce free-spirits, they paved the way for an outstanding achievement in terms of Brand growth and strong equity development. No need to compromise and also taking the chance to learn by doing.

The secret of such thriving Italian luxury brands is clear thanks to their example: keeping the energy high through creative exercises instead of being obsessed of just financial figures.  Healthy growth thanks to a long-term vision that magnifies the creative direction instead of spoiling it. Belief in the power of imagination vs. merchandising supremacy.

Freedom within a framework.

Susanna Nicoletti for Joliegazette - a fashion and luxury marketing, communication and digital senior professional in the industry with boutique consultancy www. thefashiondispatch.com

SHOP DOLCE & GABBANA